<figure class="image image-style-align-right image_resized" style="width:75%;"><a href="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/The+NIAID+CEIRR+Program_+Viral+Risk+Assessment+and+Pandemic+Response.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/NIAID_CEIRR_Infographic_10p_24d45566a3.png"></a><figcaption>NIAID CEIRR Infographic illustrating its impact in viral risk assessment and pandemic response strategies. To view a full-size PDF version, click the image above.</figcaption></figure>The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (<a href="https://www.niaid.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NIAID</a>) funds the Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/about" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">(CEIRR) Program</a>, a multidisciplinary and collaborative research network that studies the natural history, transmission and pathogenesis of influenza and other respiratory viruses. A particular emphasis of CEIRR’s network of investigators is viral risk assessment, or the characterization of how a virus may cause an undesirable health outcome to humans or animals. The CEIRR Network is organized into six academic research Centers that generate data on influenza biology, immunology, and epidemiology, among other topics, while also preparing emergency response infrastructure to address influenza outbreaks.CEIRR’s viral risk assessment strategy involves identifying a viral threat, collecting samples through targeted surveillance efforts, assessing the virus’s characteristics in the laboratory, and communicating their findings to response organizations and the wider scientific community. CEIRR’s approach is iterative in that new viral variants that may emerge are characterized during response efforts which may affect the overall risk assessment of an event. CEIRR’s expertise in responding to past outbreaks allows investigators to better prepare for future outbreaks. The preparedness infrastructure is crucial because rapidly deploying risk assessment strategies will minimize potential harm.Two key collaborations that CEIRR investigators contribute to are the CEIRR Risk Assessment Pipeline (<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/news/niaid-ceirr-risk-assessment-pipeline-rap" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">RAP</a>) and the SARS-CoV-2 Assessment of Viral Evolution (<a href="https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/sars-cov-2-assessment-viral-evolution-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SAVE</a>) Program. CEIRR established the RAP to characterize emerging viruses, like during the <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/news/browse?topic=&amp;center=&amp;category=Bovine%20H5N1%20Outbreak" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">bovine H5N1 outbreak</a>, and coordinate activities among the CEIRR Centers and relay findings to other government response agencies. The SAVE Program was formed in 2020 by NIAID to coordinate real-time risk assessment of emerging mutations in SARS-CoV-2 strains among several federal health agencies. Both programs have improved national and international collaboration, streamlined resources and knowledge sharing, and generated data to contribute to ongoing risk assessments completed by public health agencies.Alongside preparing and responding to viral threats, CEIRR investigators have published <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over 940 cutting-edge research manuscripts</a> to further the scientific community’s understanding of influenza biology, risk factors, treatment strategies, and more. Including <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/about/the-legacy-of-ceirs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CEIRS</a>, an earlier iteration of the program that began in 2007, the publication count surpasses 3,800. Its influenza and viral risk assessment expertise positions the CEIRR Program to impactfully investigate emerging viruses, assess risk, prepare for emergencies, and rapidly respond to threats to minimize harm to animals and humans around the world.

Spotlight

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Penn-CEIRR

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SARS-CoV-2

Influenza

Surveillance

Outbreaks

The CEIRR Program is a multidisciplinary and collaborative research network funded by NIAID. This infographic describes how CEIRR investigators conduct surveillance projects to assess risk and investigate how influenza viruses infect, evolve, and spread in both humans and animals.

NIAID CEIRR Infographic illustrating its impact in viral risk assessment and pandemic response strategies.

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The NIAID CEIRR Program: Viral Risk Assessment and Pandemic Response

<figure class="image image-style-align-right"><a href="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/The+Emory+University+CEIRR+(Emory-CEIRR).pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Emory_Infobyte_25p_7f41b56c5f.png"></a><figcaption>Emory-CEIRR Infobyte highlighting its research portfolio’s major themes and unique strengths. To view a full-size PDF version, click the image above.</figcaption></figure>The CEIRR Network aims to predict, prevent, and respond to viral outbreaks by studying the natural history, transmission, and pathogenesis of influenza and other respiratory viruses of pandemic potential. Seven Centers provide a multidisciplinary and collaborative international research infrastructure to address respiratory viral outbreaks in real time. One such Center, the Emory University Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response (<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/centers/emory-ceirr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Emory-CEIRR</a>), integrates basic and clinical research to better understand respiratory virus infection. Emory-CEIRR investigators study the transmission, pathogenesis, and evolution of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 to inform outbreak response strategies, and they examine human immune responses to vaccination and infection to elucidate the underpinnings of broad, long-lasting protection. Under the leadership of <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Anice%20Lowen" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anice Lowen, Ph.D.</a>, and <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Aneesh%20Mehta" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Aneesh Mehta, M.D.</a>, both at Emory University, Emory-CEIRR’s investigations cover four major themes:<ol><li>Virology</li><li>Immunology</li><li>Risk Assessment</li><li>Human Studies</li></ol>Emory University investigators have contributed to CEIRR’s mission since the original <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/about/the-legacy-of-ceirs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CEIRS</a> contract in 2007, known then as the Influenza Pathogenesis and Immunology Research Center (IPIRC) under the leadership of the late Richard Compans, Ph.D., a forefather of influenza virology. The IPIRC became <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/about/the-legacy-of-ceirs/ceirs-center-archive#:~:text=Emory%2DUGA%20Center%20of%20Excellence%20for%20Influenza%20Research%20and%20Surveillance" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Emory-UGA CEIRS</a> from 2014-2021 and was led by Walter Orenstein, M.D., and Dr. Lowen served as a Co-Principal Investigator (co-PI) in the later years of the contract. Under CEIRR, Emory and UGA split into what is now Emory-CEIRR and <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/centers/cider" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CIDER</a>. After <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/news/dr-walter-orenstein-retires-leaves-a-lasting-legacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dr. Orenstein’s retirement</a> in August of 2023, Dr. Lowen assumed the role of lead PI of Emory-CEIRR, and Dr. Mehta began serving as the co-PI.<figure class="image image-style-align-right"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Emory_PI_Headshot_A_Lowen_300x300_ef5f79bd4d.png"><figcaption>Principal Investigator of Emory-CEIRR, Anice Lowen, Ph.D., Emory University</figcaption></figure>To summarize Emory-CEIRR’s mission, Drs. Lowen and Mehta shared, “The scientists of the Emory-CEIRR work to understand the virus that causes Influenza and how our bodies respond to it.” They go on to explain that the more than 40 Emory-CEIRR researchers study how the flu virus gets into cells, makes more copies of itself, and spreads within an individual and from one individual to another. But they don’t just study the virus. The researchers explore how the human immune system detects flu infection and then protects against future infections, which is particularly important for designing vaccines. Drs. Lowen and Mehta note that Emory-CEIRR scientists “do critical research on influenza viruses that circulate in birds, pigs, and other non-human hosts, to understand the risk of these viruses causing a pandemic.” This work contributes to <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/news/niaid-ceirr-risk-assessment-pipeline-rap" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CEIRR’s Risk Assessment Pipeline</a> (RAP), also led by Dr. Lowen, where Emory-CEIRR collaborates with other Centers to “respond to influenza outbreaks by performing research that can inform public health efforts to limit viral spread.”Of the more than <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications?keyword=(Center)%20Emory-CEIRR" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">60 publications</a> from the Emory-CEIRR team, several recent discoveries piqued Dr. Lowen’s and Dr. Mehta’s interests that they wanted to highlight:<figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Emory_PI_Headshot_A_Mehta_300x300_0aa51a4430.png"><figcaption>Co-principal Investigator of Emory-CEIRR, Aneesh Mehta, M.D., Emory University</figcaption></figure><ul><li><a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications?keyword=40700518" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pandemic H1N1 infection protecting ferrets against H5N1</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications?keyword=39835898" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Substantial viral diversity transmitting to recipients and then contracting during the establishment of infection</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications?keyword=41308652" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Human lung tissue-resident memory T cells coordinate early mucosal defense through interferon-y programming</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications?keyword=40633557" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Transmission of H5N1 among South American sea lions</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications?keyword=40443498" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Insight into the role of waning immunity in driving respiratory virus evolution and reinfection</a></li></ul>Looking ahead, Dr. Lowen reflected, “There is much we don’t understand, and I worry that too much focus on monitoring change in known phenotypes will leave us vulnerable to surprise.” Because of this concern, she would like to see CEIRR prioritize the discovery of some fundamentals, including: 1) processes that shape infection and immune control at the cellular and within-host levels, 2) transmission at the between-host level, and 3) viral dynamics at the population level. Dr. Lowen stresses that “discovery efforts designed to further understanding of viral prevalence in non-human hosts, host-range expansion, viral evolution, and immune protection are especially important,” to CEIRR’s overall mission of pandemic preparedness and response to influenza and other respiratory viruses.&nbsp; &nbsp;The iDPCC interviewed Dr. Anice Lowen to learn more about her experiences:1. Who/what inspired you to go into science in general?A. My mom. She was a scientist and gave me a window into the world of research from a young age.2. How has your career trajectory changed over time?A. When I was a kid I wanted to be an author (of novels). I still enjoy writing and my career affords me plenty of opportunities to write, so I guess it worked out.3. Do you have advice for early career scientists on career longevity in research?A. Work hard, but keep it fun by pursuing research questions that excite you.4. What technique, skill, or knowledge are you the “go to” person for in your field?A. Reassortment5. Do you have any hobbies or special interests that you'd like to share?A. Martial arts, kayaking6. What is your favorite conference that you attended?A. The Negative Strand RNA Virus meeting (NSV) 20257. What is your favorite country to attend a conference… or a vacation?A. Italy8. Are you a morning person or a night person?A. Morning

Principal investigators, Drs. Anice Lowen and Aneesh Mehta, retell the origin of Emory-CEIRR, summarize its scientific aims, and describe a future of understanding influenza fundamentals.

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The Emory University CEIRR (Emory-CEIRR)

<figure class="image image-style-align-right"><a href="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Center+for+Research+on+Influenza+Pathogenesis+and+Transmission+(CRIPT).pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/CRIPT_Infobyte_25p_31ca4b4698.png"></a><figcaption>CRIPT Infobyte highlighting its research portfolio’s major approaches and unique strengths. To view a full-size PDF version, click the image above.</figcaption></figure>The CEIRR Network studies the natural history, transmission, and pathogenesis of influenza and other respiratory viruses of pandemic potential. The seven multidisciplinary and collaborative research Centers provide an international research infrastructure to address respiratory viral outbreaks. One such Center, the Center for Research on Influenza Pathogenesis and Transmission (<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/centers/cript" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CRIPT</a>), seeks to develop tools and expertise in animal surveillance, human clinical studies, diagnostics, vaccination strategies, basic and applied research, and pandemic response efforts. Under the leadership of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Garc%C3%ADa-Sastre" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Adolfo García-Sastre, Ph.D.</a> at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, CRIPT’s studies are categorized into three major sectors:<ol><li>Clinical Studies</li><li>Animal Surveillance</li><li>Fundamental Research</li></ol>Dr. García-Sastre has led CRIPT since the original&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/about/the-legacy-of-ceirs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CEIRS</a> contract that started in 2007, though the Center was originally named&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/about/the-legacy-of-ceirs/ceirs-center-archive#:~:text=Influenza%20Pathogenesis%20(CRIP)-,CRIP,-comprised%20of%20a" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CRIP</a>. He recalled a conversation with Drs.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Fouchier" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ron Fouchier</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Perez" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Daniel Perez</a> about keeping an eye out for program project grants or inter-collaborative grants to study influenza viruses. He noted that “a few months later, the call for the first CEIRS proposal was announced.” The three of them applied together and continue to collaborate in CRIPT today.In describing CRIPT’s scientific aims, Dr. García-Sastre says, “We are flu fighters, and our aim is to get rid of influenza by knowing the weaknesses of our enemy, the influenza virus, and to counter-attack and defend against the virus.” In practice, CRIPT researchers study the evolution, pathogenesis, and transmission of influenza, and other emerging respiratory pathogens, to identify potential weak points and to develop prevention and treatment strategies. The Center’s clinical human cohort studies examine immune responses after infection or vaccination and bridge foundational science with real-world health outcomes. The surveillance work focuses on monitoring the emergence, pathogenesis, and transmission of viruses in animals to detect pandemic threats early. Finally, CRIPT’s fundamental research efforts tackle virus-host interactions, virulence, antigenicity, and immune responses, among other projects, to link to surveillance and clinical outcomes.<figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/CRIPT_PI_Headshot_A_Garcia_Sastre_300x299_8e37f1cacb.jpg"><figcaption>Principal Investigator of CRIPT, Adolfo García-Sastre, Ph.D., Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai</figcaption></figure>Today, more than 55 investigators and collaborators contribute to CRIPT’s mission, publishing over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications?keyword=(Center)%20CRIPT" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">320 publications</a> on the pathogenesis and transmission of influenza and other emerging viruses. Dr. García-Sastre shared two recent publications that represent CRIPT’s priorities:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications?keyword=40044729" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">finding genetic risk factors in the virus that expand host range</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications?keyword=40652001" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">novel vaccines to mitigate potential pandemic viruses</a>. However, Dr. García-Sastre wanted to emphasize that many other publications could have been selected that represent the same principles and that he is impressed by all the scholarship from the Center. One recent finding that piques his personal interests is the discovery of a new receptor for some influenza viruses – MHC Class II.In addition to its rigorous research studies, CRIPT holds another major responsibility – hosting the CEIRR Training Program. In past years, CRIPT coordinated pairings between trainees and mentors for short stays in the mentor’s lab to learn a particular technique. The program took on a different shape this year by holding an in-person&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/news/cript-hosts-first-annual-training-workshop-on-antigenic-cartography" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Training Workshop on Antigenic Cartography</a> for 25 CEIRR members. After this successful first year, the CRIPT team is excited to continue offering training workshops in the coming years.Envisioning the future,&nbsp;Dr. García-Sastre would love to see the CEIRR Program “expand to other zoonotic pathogens” beyond the predominant emphasis now on influenza and SARS-CoV-2. He aims to “stop all zoonotic viruses,” and looks forward to contributing his expertise to further prevention, treatment, and pandemic response strategies.The iDPCC interviewed Dr. García-Sastre to learn more about his experiences:1. Who/what inspired you to go into science in general?A. My high school biology teacher.2. What is one thing on your bucket list?A. To walk El Camino de Santiago.3. How has your career trajectory changed over time?A. First I wanted to study insects, and I quickly changed to viruses in college, but I still collect insects.4. Do you have advice for early career scientists on career longevity in research?A. Don’t lose your confidence if you are excited about research.&nbsp;And if you are not excited, change, research is not for you.5. What technique, skill, or knowledge are you the “go to” person for in your field?A. Molecular biology of negative strand RNA viruses.6. Do you have any hobbies or special interests that you'd like to share?A. Collecting insects. I also love horror movies, heavy metal music, and classic novels.7. What is your favorite conference that you attended?A. Options for the Control of Influenza.8. What is your favorite country to attend a conference… or a vacation?A. Spain9. Are you a morning person or a night person?A. Both

Principal investigator, Dr. García-Sastre, recalls the origin of CRIPT, summarizes its scientific aims, and looks to a future to stop zoonotic viruses.

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The Center for Research on Influenza Pathogenesis and Transmission (CRIPT)

<figure class="image image-style-align-right"><a href="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Center+for+Influenza+Disease+and+Emergence+Research+(CIDER).pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/CIDER_Infobyte_25p_ce21da9a65.png"></a><figcaption>CIDER Infobyte highlighting major research approaches and unique strengths. To view a full-size PDF version, click the image above.</figcaption></figure>Composed of seven multidisciplinary and collaborative Centers, the CEIRR Network aims to understand the natural history, transmission, and pathogenesis of influenza, and provide an international research infrastructure to address respiratory viral outbreaks. One such Center, the Center for Influenza Disease and Emergence Research (<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/centers/cider" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CIDER</a>), seeks to “understand the natural history of influenza viruses to explain why influenza viruses emerge and cause severe disease, as well as predict virus emergence, trajectory, and impact.” Under the leadership of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Tompkins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">S. Mark Tompkins, Ph.D.</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Rohani" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pejman Rohani, Ph.D.</a>, both at the University of Georgia (UGA), CIDER’s research stands on four interconnected pillars:<ol><li>Pre-clinical Research</li><li>Immunological Characterization</li><li>Modeling and Phylogenetics</li><li>Clinical Research</li></ol>Collaboration and integration are central to CIDER’s approach to studying influenza and have been so even before its inception. Dr. Tompkins was part&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/about/the-legacy-of-ceirs/ceirs-center-archive#:~:text=Research%20and%20Surveillance-,Emory%2DUGA%20CEIRS,-highlighted%20the%20surveillance" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Emory-UGA CEIRS</a> during the original&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/about/the-legacy-of-ceirs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CEIRS</a> contract starting in 2007. In 2018, as Dr. Rohani was co-leading a project with Dr. Tompkins, they decided to explore developing their own Center under what is now known as CEIRR. They noticed that “there had been considerable and diverse growth in influenza-related expertise at UGA over the past decade,” so they leveraged this expertise in an independent proposal based at UGA. By 2019, Drs. Tompkins and Rohani assembled a team of national and international colleagues to complement UGA’s influenza expertise, bringing together novel human cohorts, experimentalists, and computational biologists. They secured “pre-seed funding” from UGA to advance this proposal, which led them to organize a one-day meeting with their collaborators in early 2020 to refine the CEIRR proposal. Over the next couple of months, Drs. Tompkins and Rohani compiled their collaborators’ research sections and wrote the core of the technical proposal, culminating in a “marathon weekend” to complete the successful proposal on March 2, 2020.<figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/CIDER_PI_Headshot_M_Tompkins_300x300_7a1ada21ca.jpg"><figcaption>Principal Investigator of CIDER, S. Mark Tompkins, Ph.D., UGA</figcaption></figure>Today, CIDER’s 24 investigators have shared&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications?keyword=(Center)%20CIDER" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over 45 publications</a> on influenza infection, vaccination, and disease severity across multiple continents. Their work has covered large-scale computational, epidemiological, and sequencing approaches to model influenza transmission, track evolution, and forecast seasonal and pandemic trends, as well as more detailed studies to dissect the infection and immune profiles of influenza B viruses. A special branch of CIDER’s research program includes studying influenza dynamics and immunity in human populations with unique characteristics, such as children who develop severe disease, at-risk patients, and unvaccinated and naïve populations. These studies assess the immune, cellular, and molecular profiles of populations who are infected with and/or vaccinated against influenza to characterize responses and improve influenza diagnostics, treatments, and vaccine design.<figure class="image image-style-align-right"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/CIDER_co_PI_Headshot_P_Rohani_300x300_236596963f.jpg"><figcaption>Co-principal Investigator of CIDER, Pejman Rohani, Ph.D., UGA</figcaption></figure>A recent discovery exploring the differential immunity elicited by the two lineages of influenza B virus, Victoria and Yamagata, from Dr. Tompkins’ laboratory greatly excited both leaders from CIDER. “Epidemiological studies and data from human cohorts suggested accelerated divergence of the flu B lineages and potentially distinct post-infection immunity.” When Dr. Tompkins’ team explored these phenomena with pre-clinical models, they found that “recent Victoria lineage viruses elicited immunity against subsequent Victoria and Yamagata infection, while Yamagata infection did not prevent subsequent Victoria infection.” Further, this immunity was partially mediated by neuraminidase-specific antibody responses. The leaders mention that this study “offers insights into possible contributors to the disappearance of the Yamagata lineage in 2020,” and emphasizes the importance of studying influenza B viruses, a particular area of interest for CIDER. To learn more, read the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications?keyword=40153499" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full publication</a>.Looking ahead, Drs. Tompkins’ and Rohani’s vision for the CEIRR Program includes “greater integration of empirical and computational science,” especially in a scientific landscape that stresses speed in responding to outbreaks of emerging viruses with pandemic potential. They also emphasize "high-risk, high-reward" research, meaning pushing the boundaries of difficult but innovative studies. They believe that a large, multi-investigator, multi-disciplinary program with long-term contracts (e.g., 7 years), much like the CEIRR Program’s infrastructure, is ideal to enable “high-risk, high-reward” research. By fostering these studies, CIDER hopes the CEIRR Program will continue to push the boundaries of influenza and respiratory pathogen research, ultimately enhancing pandemic preparedness and response capabilities.The iDPCC interviewed Dr. Tompkins to learn more about his experiences:1. Who/what inspired you to go into science in general?A. Several of my parents and grandparents had careers in biomedical research and medicine. Their stories of their careers were exciting, and their jobs were interesting to me when I was young. In high school in Ontario, I had a biology teacher, Andrew Liptak, who was always excited about science. In class, he would do things like jump up on the bench and dance around to describe Brownian motion, and we would also discuss primary research like the work of Köhler and Milstein, wondering how these discoveries could impact science and the world. His passion, seasoned with a bit of crazy, convinced me to study science in college.2. Do you have any hobbies or special interests that you'd like to share?A. I really enjoy seeing live music and am actively trying to attend as many concerts as I can of all the classic rock bands and artists before they stop touring or die.&nbsp;The Canadian ProgRock trio, RUSH, is my favorite band, and I attended many of their concerts. Sadly, the drummer passed away from glioblastoma in 2020. The remaining members were clear that they would not tour as RUSH without Neil Peart.&nbsp;When that happened, it really energized me to seek out the artists I wanted to see and, if they were touring, attend a show.3. Are you a morning person or a night person?A. I am very much a morning person but occasionally enjoy being a night owl. On those occasions, I am less of a morning person, or I am a cranky morning person.

Principal investigators, Drs. Tompkins and Rohani, highlight the value of collaboration, emphasizing its importance from CIDER’s inception to its multidisciplinary research accomplishments.

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